A 44-year-old pilot, Joseph D. Emerson, finds himself facing a total of 83 counts of attempted murder after an alarming incident that unfolded during a passenger flight on Sunday night, October 22.
The off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder for allegedly attempting to disable one of the airline's jet engines while the flight was en route from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco, California, with 80 passengers on board.
The aircraft was ultimately diverted to Portland, Oregon, where officials managed to subdue the suspect without further trouble.
Alaska Airlines revealed that the off-duty pilot was occupying the flight deck jump seat when he made an unsuccessful attempt to disrupt the engines' operation. Crew members aboard Alaska Airlines Flight 2059 promptly reported the incident to air traffic control.
A recording of air traffic control communication captured one of the pilots stating that they had the individual who had attempted to shut down the engines out of the cockpit. Fortunately, he was subdued and not causing any issues in the back of the plane. They requested police presence once they landed and parked.
All passengers were eventually able to reach San Francisco with a new crew and aircraft, and the airline is individually reaching out to them to discuss their experiences and ensure their well-being.
The Port of Portland Police Department and the FBI are currently investigating the incident. The FBI has confirmed its involvement and assured the traveling public that there is no ongoing threat related to this event.
In addition to the attempted murder charges, Mr. Emerson also faces 83 counts of reckless endangerment and one count of endangering an aircraft. He has been held at the Multnomah County Detention Center while the investigation continues. The exact date of his arraignment remains uncertain.
Joseph Emerson's aviation career began with his hiring by Horizon Air in 2001, followed by stints at Virgin America and then Alaska Airlines.
Authorities do not believe the incident was an act of terrorism or ideologically motivated violence, according to a law enforcement source familiar with the investigation, though the suspect may face additional federal charges.
[SOURCE]
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